The exploration of global sweet fortified wines continued in a recent tasting, showcasing an eclectic selection beyond the Iberian Peninsula. Andrew Jefford, along with panelists Simon Field MW and Richard Mayson, noted how this tasting offered surprising and original wines, although none quite matched the outstanding selections from Portugal and Spain. The first day of… Read More »
Château Cheval Blanc has unveiled its 2025 vintage en primeur amid one of the smallest harvests recorded since 1961. On May 11, it was offered by UK merchants for approximately £2,010 per six bottles in bond, displaying a price increase compared to the previous year. This release comes as part of a much-anticipated Bordeaux 2025… Read More »
This exciting wine project, owned by the Sander family, is situated in a lesser-known winegrowing area known as Sondagskloof, located within the Walker Bay region of South Africa. To reach Sondagskloof, you follow the R43 towards Hermanus, but instead of veering into the popular Hemel-en-Arde Valley, you continue past the town of Stanford. The area… Read More »
A subtle shift is occurring in Napa Valley, as the region transitions from an image rooted in extreme luxury to one that embraces craft, sustainability, and traditional farming practices. Historically, Napa Valley has been synonymous with luxury, with a focus on high-end wineries featuring extravagant tasting rooms and cult wines. Winemaker Ivo Jeramaz, who began… Read More »
Giulia and Giorgio Antonioli transitioned into the world of winemaking after successful careers in different fields; she was an archaeologist and he an art historian. In 2018, they decided to shift paths and leased old vineyards on the slopes of the Apennine Mountains in Umbria, Italy, which they meticulously renovated. Now operating under the name… Read More »
Set in downtown Portland at the Kimpton Vintage Hotel, the Willamette Valley Wine Auction returns for its 10th anniversary, showcasing nearly every lot of the vintage 2024 wines. As Acting North America Regional Editor for Decanter, I tasted the auction lots, which are special blends sourced from select barrels of top vineyard sites. These auction… Read More »
Angiolino Maule is a prominent figure in Italy’s natural wine movement. He and his wife, Rosamaria, began their journey in the late 1970s when they opened a pizzeria. With the savings they accumulated, they purchased a farm named La Biancara, which also included some vineyards. They continued their hospitality business while producing their first wines… Read More »
Moscato, a sweet and light-bodied wine, has gained immense popularity, particularly after it became a favorite among hip-hop artists in the 2000s. The trend began with Lil’ Kim’s mention in her song "Lighters Up" and later by Drake, who highlighted its perfect pairing with lobster. By 2011, sales soared over $300 million in the US,… Read More »
Badrutt’s Palace Hotel in St Moritz is synonymous with luxury, presenting an opulent blend of history and modernity in Switzerland’s prestigious winter resort. While primarily famous for its winter attractions, the hotel also shines in summer with vibrant meadows and an array of outdoor activities. As summer unfolds, guests are greeted by fresh mountain air… Read More »
Has Cédric Moussé discovered a revolutionary way to achieve the quality of magnum Champagne in a 75cl bottle? This question lies at the heart of the innovation behind the Light-26, a groundbreaking bottle designed to replicate the magnum effect with a smaller capacity. In collaboration with Saverglass, a premium glass manufacturer, Moussé aims to create… Read More »